The southern coast of Portugal, known as the Algarve, attracts visitors to its natural coastal beauty with dramatic limestone cliffs, stunning sandy beaches, and historical small towns and villages.
With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, the Algarve earns the moniker “the Florida of Europe.” The area has close to 150 beaches along 100 miles of coastline, many surrounded by towering cliffs and accessed by long wooden staircases. With its Mediterranean climate you can enjoy outdoor recreation year-round. Take part in popular water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, surfing, fishing, jet skiing and water skiing, along with hiking along the scenic coastal trails.
© Jan Schroder
A premier location for golf, the Algarve offers nearly 40 championship golf courses, some with cliff or ocean views. Other activities include horseback riding, mountain biking, oyster picking and wine tasting. The Algarve’s attractions reach beyond the beach, and a trip here isn’t complete without exploring the cultural heritage and charm of the towns and villages stretching along the coast and inland region.
Starting in the Western Algarve, you can watch fishermen perched precariously on high cliffs in the fishing village of Sagres, the southwesternmost point of continental Europe and referred to as the End of the World. (It shares a name with one of the two main beers produced in Portugal; the other is Super Bock.)
Benagil Caves © Jan Schroder
Visiting Benagil Caves proves a highlight of a trip to the Algarve, reachable from several places, including Lagos. This city also boasts beautiful beaches; a lively nightlife; water sports; and a historic downtown with colorful tiled buildings, cobbled streets and Old Town walls, built in the 16th century.
Located inland on the River Arade, Silves has one of the best-preserved Moorish castles in Portugal: Castelo de Silves. Silves served as the capital of the Algarve during the Moorish period (711–1250), and the Moorish influence remains in its architecture.
Once a quiet fishing town and now the largest of the Algarve’s beach resorts, Albufeira features a lively nightlife, stunning beaches and tiled pedestrian paths in Old Town. Party people head to The Strip, densely populated with restaurants, bars and clubs. In Faro, the capital of the Algarve and home to the main airport, explore the historic Old Town enclosed by Moorish walls and Ria Formosa Nature Park, a protected wetland and a must for bird-watchers.
Kayaking in Lagos © Jan Schroder
Located in the Eastern Algarve, Tavira offers a quieter destination with an ancient Moorish castle, historical bridges over the Gilão River and a vibrant local market.
While it’s easy to travel the Algarve by train or bus, you’ll want to rent a car to explore many of the smaller towns. English is widely spoken, although if you travel inland to some of the smaller villages, you may need to rely on a translation app. Any time of year is good to visit; however, in July and August expect crowds of tourists.
LODGING
DOMES LAKE ALGARVE, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION
Set on a private lake, this resort has three pools, a spa, four restaurants and access to five world-class golf courses.
Praia da Falésia 811,
Vilamoura, Algarve
$$$–$$$$
MARTINHAL SAGRES FAMILY BEACH RESORT
This family-friendly luxury hotel offers a variety of accommodations from hotel rooms to six-bedroom villas. Guests can enjoy a spa, three restaurants, five pools, five kids’ clubs and water sports.
R. Baiona la Real,
Apartadó 54, Sagres, Algarve
$$$–$$$$$
VILA JOYA
Vila Joya offers four rooms and nine suites, all with ocean views. Chef Dieter Koschina presents a new menu daily at Restaurant Vila Joya, which boasts two Michelin Stars.
Estrada da Galé,
Albufeira, Algarve
$$$$$
Lagos tiled street © Jan Schroder
DINING
A BARRIGADA
A casual restaurant, A Barrigada features regional dishes, highlighting an all-you-can-eat fresh grilled fish option. The restaurant hosts occasional Fado nights, the traditional Portuguese music genre.
Estrada Nacional 125,
Sítio da Torre, Lagos, Algarve
$$
BISTRO RAINHA
Located in the less touristy inland city of Silves, Bistro Rainha is an unpretentious restaurant serving a small, chef-driven menu blending Portuguese, Mediterranean and European bistro cuisine.
Santo Estevão, Silves,
Algarve
$$$–$$$$
Named after its Brazilian-born chef, this family-run restaurant with ocean views specializes in international cuisine and has been awarded one Michelin Star every year from 2000 to 2019.
Estrada Vale Formoso,
Loulé, Algarve
$$$$$
King Sancho I at entrance to Castelo de Silves © Ventura69 | Dreamstime.com
INFO TO GO
Faro Airport lies in the Algarve and is served by many European airlines. In the summer, United Airlines operates a direct flight from Newark (EWR) to Faro. For more flight options, fly into Lisbon (LIS), a major international hub. From either airport you can take a bus, train or rent a car to get to your desired destination.
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